New Edition of ACEEE's Green Book™
Identifies Environment-Friendly Cars and Trucks of Model Year
2001
For further information, contact:
Technical: Jim Kliesch or Steven Nadel,
202-429-8873
John DeCicco, 703-599-6517
Press material or review copies: Glee Murray, 202-429-0063
Washington, DC (Thursday, February 8, 2001) -- The American Council
for an Energy-Efficient Economy today released the fourth edition
of its groundbreaking consumer guide, ACEEE's Green Book™:
The Environmental Guide to Cars & Trucks -- Model Year 2001.
ACEEE's GreenBook™ is "the only one-stop comprehensive
information source on all key aspects of automotive environmental
performance," says co-author Jim Kliesch, a Research Assistant
with ACEEE's Transportation Program. The book provides a Green
Score for every new passenger car, pickup truck, SUV, and minivan
sold in the United States. According to Kliesch, "By examining
Green Scores for the models they are considering, car buyers can
comparison shop with the environment in mind."
ACEEE's Green Book™ identifies the "greenest" and
"meanest" vehicles of the model year, and examines how recent
automotive trends are affecting the environment. Highlights of
the new edition include:
- The Toyota Prius is the nation's first hybrid-electric family
sedan and ACEEE's Green Book™ provides an in-depth
look at the advanced technology that gives this car its superior
environmental performance.
- This year sees extensive nationwide sales of cars and light
trucks meeting Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. The Green
Book offers sound advice on which of these vehicles are
the greenest and how to buy green when shopping for a new automobile.
- New car/truck "crossover vehicles," such as Chrysler's PT
Cruiser and Pontiac's Aztek, offer greater choice in styling
and functionality. But are they greener than SUVs?
"The book's 'Greener Choices 2001' list highlights some of the
year's cleanest and most fuel-efficient gasoline cars and trucks
on the market," says John DeCicco, Green Book creator and
independent consultant. The Greener Choices list shows that consumers
have green options throughout the market. "Gasoline engines are
steadily improving," notes DeCicco. "In fact, 10 of the 13 'Greenest
Vehicles of 2001' are gasoline powered."
The publication rates both traditional and alternative vehicles
according to tailpipe pollution and global warming emissions,
as well as by pollution from auto factories and refineries. Along
with summary Green Scores, ACEEE's Green Book™
details each model's fuel economy, health impacts, annual fuel
expenses, and global warming emissions.
The 2001 'Green by Design' chapter features in-depth coverage
of this year's showcased vehicle, the hybrid-electric Toyota Prius.
"Many consumers will not only want to learn what's green, but
why," notes DeCicco. Green by Design provides a deeper view into
the inner workings of the Prius along with other advances in automotive
technology.
"With air pollution still plaguing many parts of the country,
and greenhouse gas emissions - including the emissions from burning
gasoline and diesel fuel - disrupting the earth's climate, choosing
greener cars is more important than ever before," remarks Steven
Nadel, Executive Director of ACEEE. "ACEEE's Green Book
provides practical advice for consumers concerned about protecting
the health of both their families and the planet."
ACEEE has also updated GreenerCars.com, the companion
Web site to ACEEE's Green Book™. Subscribers can search
the Web site's interactive database and build custom lists for
comparing vehicles, as well as read feature articles and other
green vehicle information. Monthly and annual subscriptions to
the Web site, including updates, are available at GreenerCars.com.
Paper copies of the book can be ordered for $8.95 (plus shipping
and applicable taxes) directly from GreenerCars.com, as
well as from major booksellers. Review copies are available to
journalists covering energy, environment and automobiles.
ACEEE's Green Book™: The Environmental Guide to Cars
& Trucks -- Model Year 2001 will be distributed nationwide and
is available beginning February 8. Bulk sales discounts are also
available. For further information, contact:
